Labiaplasty

There is a great deal of normal natural variation in the shape, size and length of the labia in women. Sometimes the flaps of skin surrounding the vaginal opening, known as the inner lips or labia minora protrude beyond the outer lips (labia majora). Some women don’t like this appearance whilst others may find that the labia are painful and chafe when wearing certain clothes, exercising or during intercourse. A labiaplasty procedure involves excising the excess labia minora in order to reduce the extent that the labia minora hang below the hair bearing outer labia majora. It is performed under General Anaesthesia as a day case so you do not need to spend the night in hospital. There are two ways it can be done. One involves simply trimming the protruding edge of the labia and then stitching the wound closed. The other involves resecting a central wedge of labia minora whilst retaining the natural labial edge. In both cases the wound is closed with absorbable sutures so there are no stitches to be removed. Recovery is usually quick and involves one week off work. Initial swelling can be reduced by using regular cold compresses and gentle application of a topical emollient cream to prevent dryness. The use of tampons and intercourse should be avoided for 6 weeks.

Labiaplasty

AT A GLANCE

Length of surgery:

1-2 hours

Anaesthesia:

General anaesthesia

Overnight or day case:

Day case

Recovery:

1 week off work
Avoid driving 10 days
No heavy lifting/gym/sport for 2 months

Follow-up:

10 days for wound check, 6 weeks, 3 months

Frequently asked questions

Not everyone is suitable for a labiaplasty. Suitability is a matter for you and Mr Johnson to discuss in clinic, following a thorough analysis of your medical history and a thorough clinical consultation.

Depending on the technique used the scars are in different positions. If the procedure involves trimming the excess edge of the labia then the scar runs along this edge. In the wedge resection technique the scar is placed along a line extending from the inside and outside of the labia to the mid portion of the edge of the labia. The wounds are closed with dissolving stitches and the scars heal very well with either technique.

During the operation a long lasting local anaesthetic is injected at the site of the surgery. In addition, during the general anaesthetic the anaesthetist will administer strong painkillers so that when patients wake up from the surgery they will be comfortable and not sore. It is normal for patients to experience some discomfort for a few days after discharge home but this is usually well controlled with simple tablet type painkillers such as paracetamol etc.

It is normal to feel lethargic and tired for the first week following surgery. Bruising and swelling and numbness can last for several weeks following surgery. Patients can usually return to work after 1 week. Initial swelling can be reduced by using regular cold compresses and gentle application of a topical emollient cream to prevent dryness. The use of tampons and intercourse should be avoided for 6 weeks and patients should refrain from heavy lifting, gym exercise and contact sports for 2 months.

Complications are uncommon following a labiaplasty procedure. During your initial consultation Mr Johnson will have a full discussion with you about the risks and complications of surgery. You will be given an information leaflet about labiaplasty which includes complications and if you decide to go ahead with surgery, these risks will again be discussed as part of the consenting process. Fortunately, with correct patient selection and appropriate procedure selection, the risks are kept to an absolute minimum. It is important that you should be reassured that Mr Johnson will not agree to perform any cosmetic procedure on you unless he feels the benefits significantly outweigh the risks.

Mr Johnson will come and see you on the ward after your surgery. After you have been discharged Mr Johnson will arrange to see you in clinic after 7-10 days to review the wound. He will then make arrangements to see you in clinic for longer term follow up appointments. You will be given contact details for the hospital and Mr Johnson’s secretary should you wish at any time to discuss further aspects of your care or make additional arrangements for review.

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Rhinoplasty, Patient Debbie

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Thank you very much for my new nose! It has made such a difference to me. I no longer worry when people see me in profile. My friends and family who know about the operation have all said how natural it looks and how well it suits me, so thank you for doing such a good job! I really am thrilled, and much happier.

Rhinoplasty, Patient NA

You really do work miracles! Many, many thanks for the fabulous results. Ts superb. Feeling great too.

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Rhinoplasty, Patient NA

This seems so little in thanks for all you have done for me. It seems such a big step to take, but you gave me confidence and encouragement to go on with the operations. Thank you so much… I feel very honoured to have this operation performed by you.

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